The Nilgiris Mountain Railway services between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, a much sought after tourist service, was suspended for seven more days on Tuesday due to continued heavy rain and possible landslips.

Udagamandalam: The Nilgiris Mountain Railway (NMR) services between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, a much sought after tourist service, was suspended for seven more days on Tuesday due to continued heavy rain and possible landslips.

“Passenger train service between Mettupalayam and Coonoor in the Nilgiris Mountain Rail sector has been cancelled till December 3 due to continued heavy rain and landslips. The service is expected commence on December 4,” said an official in Southern Railway (Salem Division).

“Since heavy rain continues in the region, restoration work has been affected. There have been alerts about more rain and possible landslides, because of which the NMR train service had to be suspended for seven more days,” the official said.

The NMR train is a major attraction for tourists visiting Ooty. The service was earlier cancelled on Sunday for three days, as a large boulder fell on the track blocking the route between Kallar and Adderley stations. The mountain train uses an Abt rack and pinion system to climb the steep hill, covering 41.8 kilometres, 108 curves, 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. The train, which can accommodate 240 passengers, leaves Mettupalayam at 7.10 am and reaches Ooty by noon. The return train is at 2 pm, and reaches Mettupalayam at 5.35 pm.